Attempts to predict earthquakes may do more harm than good (Alejandra Delgado)

Almost every time a large earthquake strikes an inhabited area questions are raised in the media about why the event was not predicted. The argument is that a successful prediction would greatly reduce the loss of life, if not necessarily the economic damage, by permitting dangerous buildings to be evacuated, tsunami-prone areas to be cleared, and hospitals and rescue teams to be prepared and on standby.